Just like in the summer of 2010, the Chicago Blackhawks had to part ways with some popular names in order keep the names that matter much more. You have to sell off some pieces or “salary dump” or “salary shed” in order to keep the bigger players in house. The Blackhawks did just that by re-signing Bryan Bickell to a four year, $16 million extension.
The price was Bolland and Frolik; so be it. Well worth it in my opinion. To make an omelet you have to break a few eggs. Now we’ll see what happens with the re-signing of Kruger and Leddy.
In 2010, the Blackhawks (rightfully so) did what they could to protect the core of Patrick Kane, Jonathan Toews, Patrick Sharp, Brent Seabrook and Duncan Keith in tow. All of those guys grew out of their contracts that summer into more expensive ones. Today is no different. Bicks is too important. Bickell was a huge contributor, and earned himself a bigger payday. If Bolly and Frolik have to be jettisoned, so be it.
In 2010, Kris Ver Steeg, Dustin Byufglien, Adam Burish and Anti Niemmi had to be dealt away in order to shed salary cap space for the core. Right now the Hawks are $9million under, and have Bickell back.
Paul M. Banks is the owner of The Sports Bank.net. (“Quasi-endorsed” by Philadelphia Eagles Coach Chip Kelly) He’s also an author who also contributes regularly to MSN, Fox Sports , Chicago Now, Walter Football.com and Yardbarker
Banks has appeared on the History Channel, as well as Clear Channel, ESPN and CBS radio all over the world. The NFL and NBA expert does a weekly spot for 95.7 The Fan. President Barack Obama follows him on Twitter (@PaulMBanks), like him on Facebook
